Blogs

Finding Jesus in the Hurricane

Written by Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School

As we returned to school this morning, I was reminded of how thankful I am to be part of a community that puts “First Things First” even in the aftermath of a hurricane. I’ve heard wonderful stories all across campus today as I visited classrooms and talked to students in chapel. Let me share three that were sent to me by email.

“I just wanted to commend TFA and let you all know that so many of your students and parents came to my aid after Hurricane Irma. I am a single mom, and my house was hit pretty hard by the hurricane. Without being asked to do so, a parent organized a group of adults and kids from TFA to come and help. They spent hours hauling limbs and debris out of my yard. I am overwhelmed by their kindness and sacrificial love. Some of them were strangers to me before today. THANK YOU, TFA!”

“Hi Dr. Whitaker, I’m so glad that you and your family are well and that the school is intact. I thought I’d share this with you as a great example of “service before self” and “first things first”. Lindsay Hurlebaus asked who needed help and I jokingly said I have six trees down that needed to be chopped up and moved. To my surprise, Lindsay came over with her kids, her In-Laws, a chainsaw, and a truck and the rest is history. So Blessed”

Finally, late in the day, I got an email from JD Cope, a TFA dad and one of the Pastors at FBCO. He wrote, “Steve, we are having a work day on Saturday to help with Irma relief. We wanted to see if you had any teachers or faculty at TFA/Classical/First Hope/Preschool that needed assistance. Let us know if we can be of help.”

Pastor David and his team are once again demonstrating how the church should love the community in word and deed. In John 13:35 Jesus said, “Love one another in the same way I loved you. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” May this be the distinguishing mark of our TFA community.